italian-citizenship-laws-history
The concept of Italian citizenship emerged with the unification of Italy in 1861. Before this, Italy was fragmented into multiple states, each with its own legal traditions and identity. The Law of March 17, 1861, proclaimed the Kingdom of Italy, laying the foundation for a unified national identity. However, formal citizenship laws were still undefined.
Decree-Law No. 36/2025 approved and the new rules for Italian citizenship: Photo of the Italian parlament
On May 20, 2025, the Chamber of Deputies approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, now law No. 74 of May 23, 2025, with 137 votes in favor and 83 against, finalizing the proposal introduced in March by the coalition led by Giorgia Meloni, which was previously passed by the Senate on May 15.
From North to South - the best places to live in Italy: Photo of a church near the Dolomites, in the Italian alps
Italy is a country steeped in cultural heritage, boasting stunning landscapes and a deep historical legacy. Divided into regions, provinces, municipalities, and metropolitan cities, each area offers a distinct lifestyle and unique experiences. In this exploration, we’ll uncover the best places to live, considering factors like culture, economy, and quality of life.
Legal arguments for Italian citizenship by descent under decree-law 36/2025: Photo of man walking through a historical building in Italy
Decree-Law 36/2025 has significantly restricted Italian citizenship by descent, allowing recognition only for children and grandchildren of Italians, while excluding great-grandchildren and further descendants. This change has sparked legal and constitutional debates.
The role of Italy's regions in shaping national identity: Photo of an historical building in Rome
Italy is renowned for its rich regional diversity, which has deeply influenced its national identity throughout history. From distinct dialects and culinary traditions to varied economic models, each region has contributed uniquely to Italy’s character.
decree-law-citizenship-impact
On May 15, 2025, the Italian Senate approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, a legislative measure that restricts the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis). The measure has sparked intense debate, with critics raising concerns about its constitutional validity, retroactive effects, and potential discrimination.
Person on desk working on translation for Italian citizenship documents
Summary

Obtaining Italian citizenship is an intricate and detail-oriented process. One crucial aspect of this journey is ensuring that all documents submitted are accurately translated into Italian. This necessity rises from the requirement to have documents issued in other countries accepted by Italian authorities, ensuring they are understood and recognized without any issues. Translation for Italian citizenship is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle but a fundamental step in guaranteeing that your application is clear, complete, and compliant with Italian regulations.

Which documents need translation?

The types of documents that generally require translation are pivotal in proving your eligibility for Italian citizenship. These include birth certificates, marriage certificates, naturalization certificates, and death certificates. Each of these documents plays a specific role in substantiating your claim to citizenship. For instance, a birth certificate establishes your lineage, which is often a key factor in citizenship by descent. Similarly, marriage certificates might be necessary to verify marital status and spousal eligibility.

All documents presented to the consulate or Italian authority must be translated into Italian by sworn translators, known as traduttori giurati in Italian. These translators are legally authorized to provide translations that are recognized as official and accurate representations of the original documents. Their role is to ensure that every detail, term, and nuance of the original document is faithfully reproduced in Italian.

Translation quality

The quality of translation cannot be overstated. Using professional translators who are experienced in legal and documentary translations is critical to avoid errors that could cause significant delays in the citizenship process. A single mistranslation or ambiguous phrase can lead to misunderstandings, potentially resulting in the rejection of your documents and causing further complications in your application.

Therefore, it’s essential to work with translators who not only understand the language but are also familiar with the legal and administrative terminology used in official documents. They must be able to accurately convey the information in a way that is clear and acceptable to Italian authorities. A professional and high-quality translation will ensure that your documents are processed smoothly, without unnecessary setbacks.

Sworn translation vs. Simple translation

It’s important to differentiate between simple translations and sworn translations. Simple translations are general translations that do not carry any legal recognition. While they might be sufficient for informal or personal use, they are not adequate for official purposes such as applying for citizenship.

Sworn translations, on the other hand, are translations that have been certified by a sworn translator. This certification is a legal attestation that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document. In the context of obtaining Italian citizenship, sworn translations are mandatory. They offer the guarantee that the document is a faithful and legally recognized reproduction of the original, ensuring that it meets the strict requirements of Italian authorities.

Translation and apostille

In addition to translation, some documents might also need to be authenticated with an apostille. An apostille is a form of authentication issued for documents intended for use in foreign countries, as stipulated by the Hague Convention of 1961. This process involves obtaining a special certificate from a competent authority, which verifies the authenticity of the document.

For documents that need to be submitted to Italian authorities, the apostille must be obtained before the document is translated. This ensures that the entire document, including the apostille, is translated and presented as a unified, authenticated piece. The process of translation and subsequent apostille is crucial in ensuring that the document is legally accepted by Italian authorities without any issues.

Given the complexities and critical nature of translating documents for Italian citizenship, it’s advisable to take a proactive approach. Start by gathering all your necessary documents and ensuring they are complete and up-to-date. Then, reach out to a specialized translation service that is experienced in handling citizenship applications.

Count on io.citizen!

Consider using the services of io.citizen, a company with a proven track record of working with professionals that provide accurate and reliable translations for Italian citizenship applications. By working with professionals who understand the intricacies of the process, you can ensure that your translations are done correctly, reducing the risk of delays or rejections.

In conclusion, the translation of documents is a vital step in the process of obtaining Italian citizenship. Ensuring that your documents are accurately translated by professional, sworn translators will help you navigate the bureaucratic requirements smoothly. Don’t underestimate the importance of quality translation; it could make all the difference in your journey towards becoming an Italian citizen.

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Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.